Socialists and Democrats endorse Frans Timmermans as Common Candidate, in Lisbon

Socialists and Democrats from all over Europe have gathered at the PES-Congress in Lisbon to discuss key issues ahead of the 2019 European elections and to acclaim the PES Common Candidate, Frans Timmermans.

“My warmest congratulations to Frans Timmermans! We are proud and happy to have endorsed Frans, this passionate European, as our Common Candidate. With him we are ready to win Europe back, defend it against right-wing forces and to re-shape it for the people.

“Lisbon has been the ideal place to kick start this race. In Portugal, Prime Minister Antonio Costa has shown what social democracy can do for the people. Together, with Frans, we will take the Portuguese spirit and offer it to all Europeans. We will win in the universities, in the work places, in the streets – wherever people struggle to make ends meet, to prosper and grow to live a healthy life.

“In order to support these people we need to fundamentally change our model, fight inequalities and protect our planet at the same time. We fight with all our heart and soul for this new Europe, and our fight starts today.”

At the Congress the S&D Group presented its vision for a progressive Europe, as detailed in a report drafted by the Progressive Society.